We need to start treating innovation like other business disciplines — as a set of tools that are designed to accomplish specific objectives. Just as we wouldn’t rely on a single marketing tactic or a single source of financing for the entire life of an organization, we need to build up a portfolio of innovation strategies designed for specific tasks.

Ask yourself: How well can we define the problem? And how well can we define the skill domain(s) needed to solve it?

This blog will help you create clear, concise, professional communications. Whether you are writing a new business pitch, an important email or a memo to your department, our tips can make it better.

Here’s tip No. 1: Avoid flowery prose. In the world of business communication, less is more. Just as you wouldn’t dot your i’s with little hearts or sign your name in rainbow colors, stay away from flourishes that “personalize” your language.

Before sending a document, read it through one last time and delete your favorite sentences–the ones that drip with creativity. Unless you are planning to date them, your readers don’t need to know what makes you special.